Heuvelton begins search for new principal after Principal Michael Warden hired at Salmon River Central School

HEUVELTON - Heuvelton Central School is looking for a new middle and high school principal in the wake of Principal Michael W. Wardens decision to take over as high school principal at Salmon River Central School.

Mr. Warden was appointed at Mondays Salmon River Board of Education meeting.

Heuvelton Superintendent Susan E. Todd said she was not blindsided by the announcement.

[Mr. Warden] talked to me about it before he applied, she said. We had some good conversations about the pros and cons of working in a small school and the pros and cons of working in a larger school.

Mr. Warden, who has worked at Heuvelton since 2002, has had a nice tenure here, Mrs. Todd said.

Its unusual to have a principal for that length of time, Mrs. Todd said.

Mr. Warden said his decision to leave didnt have anything to do with problems at Heuvelton.

It had nothing to do with anything here, he said.

At the June Heuvelton Board of Education meeting roughly 40 community members came out to voice their support for Mr. Warden while the board reviewed his contract.

His contract was renewed, Mrs. Todd said, adding that his was one of several contracts at the school that was reviewed annually.

Mr. Warden said his decision to move to Salmon River had nothing to do with the June meeting.

Im excited to try to move to something new, he said.

Mr. Warden said his official first day is still under negotiation. Thats not set in stone at all right now.

Im excited, he said. Im going to miss this place.

Mrs. Todd said the search for a new principal is just beginning and she plans on reaching out to former principals and superintendents who may be willing to fill in on a per-diem basis in the interim. Mr. Warden is helping in the search, she said. The Heuvelton Board of Education is holding a special meeting today at 5:30 p.m. in the Multi-Media Room to discuss the search for a new principal.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.